Configuration of Complex Products and Systems

Sets of rules for configuring complex machines and systems can be very extensive. Our »Operations Research« department develops methods to master such sets of rules, keep them consistent and find optimal configurations.

Machines and systems can usually be individually adapted to the location and purpose of use. Companies offer numerous configuration options for this and manufacture the machines or systems from prefabricated modules. Typical examples of this are pumps, actuators, motors, but also computers and cars.

Validation and Optimization of Rule Sets

However, the individual components cannot be combined arbitrarily. They are often subject to complex dependencies: Some components exclude others, others require the precise interaction of several elements. All of this is captured by extensive sets of rules, which are constantly being expanded and adapted by various experts.

To help companies maintain an overview, we develop concepts for validating such sets of rules: Are all the rules plausible? Are there any contradictions? Why is a certain configuration not permitted even though experts consider it feasible?

We rely on efficient algorithms and customized software solutions to answer these questions reliably, even for very large sets of rules.

Intelligent Product Discovery: Finding the Right Machine Type

Before a specific machine can be configured, it must first be determined which type of machine is suitable for the company's requirements. This phase is called product identification.

We develop algorithms that compare different configuration proposals at an early quotation stage. This allows suitable variants to be determined quickly.